Transparent Commodity Trading Networks and Methods of Facilitating Transactions Among Buyers and Sellers of Products and Services

ABSTRACT

A transparent commodity trading network facilitates transactions among parties. A plurality of mobile communications devices are each configured to broadcast product/service needs and/or product/service offerings of a party associated with the respective mobile communications device. Each mobile communications device is configured to receive product/service needs and/or product/service offerings broadcast by other mobile communications devices when respective mobile communications devices pass within a predetermined distance of each other. Each mobile communications device is configured to identify when a product/service need or product/service offering broadcast by another mobile communications device matches a corresponding product/service offering or broadcast product/service need broadcast by the respective mobile communications device. A transaction service that is accessible by each mobile communications device is configured to allow two parties that have a matching broadcast product/service need and offering to identify and communicate with each other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to commerce and, moreparticularly, to the promotion of commerce.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Internet has evolved into a viable commercial medium where buyersand sellers of goods and services can engage in various types ofcommerce. Various on-line “want-ad” services exist, such as Craig'sList, where buyers list what they are looking for and sellers list whatthey wish to sell. Unfortunately, many potential buyers and sellersdon't participate in the various on-line want ad services. In addition,there has been a great proliferation of commerce-oriented web sites thatoffer various products and services. Unfortunately, even with currentsearch engines, it can be difficult for potential customers to find outabout such web sites and the products and/or services they offer. Assuch, there is a need for more efficient and effective ways of passinginformation among potential buyers and sellers of products and/orservices and for reaching more potential buyers and sellers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, transparentcommodity trading networks are provided that facilitate transactionsamong potential buyers and sellers of products/services. A plurality ofmobile communications devices are each configured to broadcastproduct/service needs and/or product/service offerings of a partyassociated with the respective mobile communications device (i.e., theparty in possession of the mobile communications device). In addition,each mobile communications device is configured to receiveproduct/service needs and/or product/service offerings broadcast byother mobile communications devices when respective mobilecommunications devices pass within a predetermined distance of eachother. In addition, each mobile communications device is configured toidentify when a product/service need or product/service offeringbroadcast by another mobile communications device matches acorresponding product/service offering or broadcast product/service needbroadcast by the respective mobile communications device. A transactionservice that is accessible by each mobile communications device isconfigured to allow two parties that have a matching broadcastproduct/service need and offering to identify and communicate with eachother.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a mobilecommunications device can serve as an intermediary (“mule”) that carriesa broadcasted need and/or offering of another party associated withanother mobile communications device. For example, as a mobilecommunications device passes by other devices, it receives and storesbroadcasts received from these other devices. The mobile communicationsdevice is configured to identify when there is a match amongproduct/service needs and offerings of other parties. When a match isidentified, the matching parties are notified and then identify andcommunicate with each other via a transaction service.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system mayinclude one or more stationary communications devices that areconfigured to broadcast product/service needs of respective partiesassociated with the stationary communications devices. Mobilecommunications devices are configured to receive the product/serviceneeds and/or offers broadcast by stationary communications devices whenpassing within a predetermined distance thereof, and are configured toidentify when broadcast product/service needs and/or offers matchproduct/service offerings and/or needs of parties associated with themobile communications devices.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a transactionservice of a transparent commodity trading network is configured tocollect and analyze information associated with transactions betweenparties.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a transactionservice of a transparent commodity trading network is configured toprovide ratings of products/services associated with transactionsbetween parties.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a transactionservice of a transparent commodity trading network is configured toallocate a percentage of a transaction value to a party associated witha mobile communications device that serves as a mule. In addition, atransaction service may be configured to accrue currency for a partyassociated with a mobile communications device that serves as a mule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification,illustrate key embodiments of the present invention. The drawings anddescription together serve to fully explain the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system that facilitates transactions among parties,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2-3 are flow charts that illustrate exemplary operations forfacilitating transactions among parties, according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a transparent commodity trading network, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a transparent commodity trading network, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theclaims. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout thedescription of the figures.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itshould be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements;components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when anelement is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to anotherelement, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element orintervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or“coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

The present invention may be embodied as systems, methods, and/orcomputer program products. Accordingly, the present invention may beembodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.). Furthermore, the present invention may takethe form of a computer program product on a computer-usable orcomputer-readable storage medium having computer-usable orcomputer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system. In the context of thisdocument, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be anymedium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport theprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example butnot limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagationmedium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer-readable medium would include the following: an electricalconnection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that thecomputer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper oranother suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as theprogram can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of data processingsystems discussed herein may be written in a high-level programminglanguage, such as Java, AJAX, C, and/or C++, for developmentconvenience. In addition, computer program code for carrying outoperations of embodiments of the present invention may also be writtenin other programming languages, such as, but not limited to, interpretedlanguages. Some modules or routines may be written in assembly languageor even micro-code to enhance performance and/or memory usage.Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particularprogramming language. It will be further appreciated that thefunctionality of any or all of the program modules may also beimplemented using discrete hardware components, one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a programmed digital signalprocessor or microcontroller.

The present invention is described herein with reference to flowchartand/or block diagram illustrations of methods, systems, and computerprogram products in accordance with exemplary embodiments of theinvention. These flowchart and/or block diagrams further illustrateexemplary operations for facilitating transactions among parties, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowchart and/or block diagramillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram illustrations, may be implemented by computer programinstructions and/or hardware operations. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means and/or circuits for implementingthe functions specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerusable or computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer usable orcomputer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture includinginstructions that implement the function specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 that facilitates transactions amongparties carrying mobile communications devices, according to someembodiments of the present invention. The system 10 includes a pluralityof mobile communications devices 12 that are each capable ofbroadcasting and receiving messages over a localized or wide geographicarea. These mobile communications devices 12 may be connected to acommunications network 11 (e.g., the Internet, an intranet,telecommunications network, etc.). Mobile communications devices 12 canbe configured to broadcast within a range of distances. For example, amobile communications device 12 may be configured to broadcastproduct/service needs and product/service offerings up to a radius ofabout thirty (30) feet from the mobile communications device 12. Thus,two mobile communications devices 12 that pass within a predeterminedradius of each other each receive messages broadcast by the other, asdescribed herein.

Mobile communications devices 12, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention, may broadcast and receive messages on a continuous orintermittent basis. Mobile communications devices 12, according to someembodiments of the present invention, may broadcast and receive messagesonly upon sensing that another mobile communications device is within apredetermined range. For example, a mobile communications device may beconfigured to broadcast a message when it senses the presence of anothermobile communications device that is configured to receive the message.A party associated with a mobile communications device may also be ableto selectively activate and/or deactivate message broadcasting andreceiving of a mobile communications device 12.

Each mobile communications device 12 may be, for example, a cellulartelephone, a PDA, an internet protocol or other packet switched wirelesscommunications device, a Bluetooth or WiMax enabled device, an RFIDdevice, a combination thereof, or any of a wide variety of othercommunications systems. Mobile communications devices, according to someembodiments of the present invention, may be mounted in mobile objects,such as automobiles, trucks, aircraft, trains, buses, bicycles, boats,etc. Mobile communications devices, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention, may be chips carried by people and/or embedded withinpeople and/or objects transported by people.

In some embodiments, each mobile communications device can directlycommunicate with all of the other mobile communications devices 12 ofthe system. In other embodiments, some mobile communications devices 12may only have indirect communications ability. By way of example, amobile communications device 12 mounted in an automobile might include acommunications unit that is implemented as a Bluetooth transceiver. ThisBluetooth transceiver could then interface with other mobilecommunications devices 12 and/or a system hub via a Bluetooth connectionto a cellular telephone of one of the occupants of the automobile, and acellular connection from that cellular telephone to a system hub.

It will also be appreciated that a mobile communications device 12 mayencrypt data prior to broadcasting in order to protect the integrity ofthe system 10. Each mobile communications device 12 may also haveauthentication functionality so that other mobile communications devices12 can confirm that they are receiving broadcast messages from validparties of the system 10.

Each mobile communications device 12 is configured to broadcastproduct/service needs and/or product/service offerings of a partyassociated with the respective mobile communications device. Each mobilecommunications device 12 is configured to receive product/service needsand product/service offerings broadcast by other mobile communicationsdevices when within a predetermined distance thereof, and each mobilecommunications device 12 is configured to identify when aproduct/service need or product/service offering broadcast by anothermobile communications device matches a corresponding product/serviceoffering or broadcast product/service need broadcast by the respectivemobile communications device 12.

The illustrated system 10 also includes a transaction service 14 that isaccessible by each mobile communications device 12 and that isconfigured to allow two parties that have a matching broadcastproduct/service need and offering to identify and communicate with eachother. The transaction service 14 may be an internet-based service andmay be implemented by a telecommunications service provider, forexample. The transaction service 14 is configured to communicate withthe mobile communications devices 12 in any of various ways including,but not limited to, cellular telephone communications, interne protocolor other packet switched wireless communications, etc. There may benumerous transaction services, according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, when a firstmobile communications device 12 a passes within a predetermined distanceof a second mobile communications device 12 b and identifies that thereis a match among a product/service need or offering broadcast by asecond mobile communications device 12 b and a product/service need oroffering of a party associated with the first mobile communicationsdevice 12 a, the first mobile communications device 12 a contacts thetransaction service 14 to obtain information regarding how to contactthe party of the second mobile communications device 12 b. The secondmobile communications device 12 b may also contact the transactionservice 14.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a transactionservice 14 may not be required. For example, broadcast product/serviceneeds and offerings may identify how to contact the broadcasting party.For example, when a first mobile communications device 12 a identifiesthat there is a match among a product/service need or offering broadcastby a second mobile communications device 12 b and a product/service needor offering of a party associated with the first mobile communicationsdevice 12 a, the first mobile communications device 12 a may utilizeinformation contained within the message broadcast by the second mobilecommunications device 12 b to directly contact the party of the secondmobile communications device 12 b.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, one or more ofthe mobile communications devices 12 may be configured to serve as anintermediary or “mule” that carries a previously broadcasted need and/oroffering of another party associated with another mobile communicationsdevice 12. For example, a first mobile communications device 12 a maypass within a predetermined range of a second mobile communicationsdevice and receive a broadcast need and/or offering of a partyassociated with the second mobile communications device 12 b. The firstmobile communications device 12 a retains this information and isconfigured to identify when a product/service need or product/serviceoffering broadcast by the second mobile communications device matches acorresponding product/service offering or broadcast product/service needbroadcast by another mobile communications device 12. For example, thefirst mobile communications device passes within a predetermined rangeof a third mobile communications device 12 c and receives a broadcastneed and/or offering of a party associated with the third mobilecommunications device 12 c that matches the need and/or offering of theparty associated with the second mobile communications device 12 b. Thefirst mobile communications device 12 a is configured to notify eitheror both of the second and third mobile communications devices 12 b, 12 cof the match. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the first mobilecommunications device 12 a may be configured to notify the transactionservice 14 of the match. The transaction service 14 may then communicatewith the second and third mobile communications devices 12 b, 12 c tofacilitate a transaction.

As used herein, the term “mule” includes both a communication devicethat carries a previously broadcasted need and/or offering of anotherparty associated with another mobile communications device 12 and theperson that carries the communication device. Thus, reference to a muleis intended to include both a person and a communications device of theperson that serves the function of a mule as described herein.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transactionservice 14 may be configured to allocate a percentage of a transactionvalue to a party associated with a mobile communications device 12 thatserves as an intermediary that carries a broadcasted need and/oroffering that results in a consummated transaction among other parties.For example, in the scenario described above, the first mobilecommunications device 12 a served as an intermediary and identified amatch among the product/service need or product/service offeringbroadcast by the second and third mobile communications devices 12 b, 12c. The transaction service 14 may award the party associated with thefirst mobile communications device 12 a a “finder's fee” which may be apercentage of the transaction value or some other amount. Alternatively,the transaction service 14 may award the party associated with the firstmobile communications device 12 a a non-monetary award. According toother embodiments of the present invention, one or both of the partiesassociated with the second and third mobile communications devices mayaward the party associated with the first mobile communications device12 a a “finder's fee” or some other non-monetary award. For example, ifno transaction service is utilized, payment of some kind to a mulelikely will be necessary to provide an incentive for matching buyers andsellers. Payment need not be in the form of a percentage of atransaction value (i.e., a monetary payment), but may be in the form ofa non-monetary payment (e.g., discounts on goods and services, etc.).

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transactionservice 14 may be configured to vary the amount of a “finder's fee” overtime. For example, if a mobile communications device 12 identifies amatch of product/service needs and offerings broadcast by two othermobile communications devices 12, but the match is identified, forexample, thirty days after the first broadcast was received, thefinder's fee may be less than if the match was identified within tendays of when the first broadcast was received. In other words, thetransaction service 14 may decrease, or otherwise vary, an award overtime. Thus, award values to mules may decay over time.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system 10may include one or more stationary communications devices (i.e.,communications devices mounted on stationary objects) 16 that serve thefunction of “passive mules” and that are configured to broadcastproduct/service needs of respective parties associated with thestationary communications devices. Exemplary stationary objects that mayinclude communications devices configured to broadcast product/serviceneeds and/or offerings may include, but are not limited to, signs, lightposts, telephone poles, buildings, homes, etc. Moreover, stationarycommunications devices 16 configured to broadcast product/service needsand/or offerings can be positioned adjacent to and/or within stores,offices, restaurants, museums, parks, etc. Mobile communications devices12 are configured to receive the product/service needs and/or offersbroadcast by stationary communications devices 16 when passing within apredetermined distance thereof, and are configured to identify whenbroadcast product/service needs and/or offers match product/serviceofferings and/or needs of parties associated with the mobilecommunications devices 12. Stationary communications devices 16 can beconfigured to broadcast out to various distances. For example, astationary communications device may be configured to broadcastproduct/service needs and product/service offerings up to a radius ofabout one hundred fifty (150) feet from the stationary communicationsdevice 16.

According to embodiments of the present invention, mules may pass by astationary communications device 16 and convey product/service needs ofrespective parties associated with the stationary communications device16 to others located wherever the mules travel.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, a realestate sign positioned adjacent to a property for sale may be equippedwith a communications device configured to broadcast information aboutthe property. A mobile communications device 12 may be configured toreceive the information broadcast by a communications device attached tothe sign. A mobile communications device 12 may also be configured tocommunicate with the communications device attached to the sign andobtain additional information. A transaction service 14 may serve thefunction of a real estate brokerage. For example, if a party associatedwith a mobile communications device 12 is interested in the property forsale based upon broadcast information received by the party's mobilecommunications device, the party contacts the transaction service 14 topursue making a purchase offer on the property, etc.

The communications device associated with the real estate sign may beconfigured to gather data from people passing by the real estate sign.For example, the communications device associated with the real estatesign may gather information about what type of house people are lookingfor, what price range of house people are looking for, what size ofhouse people are looking for, what type of neighborhood schools peopleare looking for, etc. As such buyer demographic data can be accrued bythe communications device associated with the real estate sign which canbe beneficial to the real estate broker, as well as to others. Moreover,collected data can be leveraged (i.e., sold, leased to third parties,etc.).

Exemplary operations for facilitating transactions among parties,according to some embodiments of the present invention, will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2-3. Referring initially to FIG. 2, aproduct/service need or offering of a first party is broadcast via amobile communications device associated with the first party (Block100). The broadcast product/service need or offering is received by asecond communications device associated with a second party when thefirst and second devices are within a predetermined distance of eachother (Block 110). A determination is made whether the broadcastproduct/service need or offering of the first party matches acorresponding product/service offering or need of the second party(Block 120). If the answer is yes (Block 130) the first and secondparties identify and communicate with each other via a transactionservice that is accessible by the mobile communications devices (Block140). If the answer is no (Block 130), operations end; however, thesecond mobile communications device continues to monitor and receivebroadcasts from other devices that it passes within a predetermineddistance thereof.

According to other embodiments illustrated in FIG. 3, a product/serviceneed or offering of a first party is broadcast via a mobilecommunications device associated with the first party (Block 200). Thebroadcast product/service need or offering is received by a secondcommunications device associated with a second party when the first andsecond devices are within a predetermined distance of each other (Block210). The second communications device receives a broadcastproduct/service need or offering from a third communications deviceassociated with a third party when the second and third devices arewithin a predetermined distance of each other (Block 220). Adetermination is made whether the broadcast product/service need oroffering of the first party matches a corresponding product/serviceoffering or need of the third party (Block 230). If the answer is yes(Block 240) the first and third parties identify and communicate witheach other via a transaction service that is accessible by the mobilecommunications devices (Block 250). If the answer is no (Block 240),operations end; however, the second mobile communications devicecontinues to monitor and receive broadcasts from other devices that itpasses within a predetermined distance thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the implementation oftransparent commodity trading networks and viral marketing. Viacommunications device broadcasts, some individuals effectively have“clouds” of products/services for sale surrounding them and someindividuals effectively have clouds of wants and/or needs surroundingthem. When clouds of products/services and wants/needs attract eachother, a transaction can take place. As known to those skilled in theart of the present invention, viral marketing includes marketingtechniques that induce consumers to pass on a marketing message to otherconsumers, creating a potentially exponential growth in the message'svisibility and effect.

Referring to FIG. 4, a transparent commodity trading network accordingto some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 4,buyer #1 (300) is broadcasting what product and/or service he/she wantsto buy (e.g., the buyer may be interested in buying a toolbox) via amobile communications device (not shown) as described above. Buyer #1(300) broadcasts a data structure 302 that includes information aboutwho the buyer is, what the buyer wants, when the buyer wants it (e.g.,there may be a deadline by which the buyer needs to purchase anitem/service, etc.), how the buyer wants to acquire it, how much thebuyer wants to pay for it, how to contact the buyer, availability(dates), form of payment, etc. Data structure 302 most probably would beanonymized, for example via use of a MAC (media access control) address.However, it is not required that data structures be anonymized accordingto embodiments of the present invention. As known to those skilled inthe art of the present invention, a MAC address is a device's uniquehardware number.

Another person serving the function of an intermediary or mule 304 comeswithin proximity of buyer #1 (300), as illustrated. The mule 304 mayalso be broadcasting, via a communications device (not shown), a datastructure related to wants/needs that the mule 304 has or that othershave, or products/services that the mule 304 wants to sell or thatothers have to sell. The mule 304 receives the data structure 302 frombuyer #1 (300) and relays this data structure to seller #1 (306) who hasa toolbox for sale. Note that additional mules may participate in therelay of data structure 302 to seller #1 (306). For example, in theillustrated embodiment, a second mule 308 receives the data structure302 from mule 304 and relays the data structure 302 to seller #1 (306).Mules, according to embodiments of the present invention, may not evenbe aware that they are carrying data structures of buyers and sellers.For example, mules 304 and 308 may not be aware that they facilitatedthe relay of data structure 302 from buyer #1 (300) to seller #1 (306).

Seller #1 (306), using information contained in the received datastructure 302, contacts service device 310 to complete a transactionwith buyer #1 (i.e., to sell a toolbox to buyer #1). Service device 310serves the function of the transaction service described above withrespect to FIG. 1 (i.e., transaction service 14). Service device 310acts as a broker and handles the mechanics of transactions betweenbuyers and sellers.

Mules, according to embodiments of the present invention, may bebi-directional. In other words, a mule may carry the data structures ofboth sellers and buyers. For example, mules 304 and 308 may carry datastructures from both buyer #1 (300) and seller #1 (306), as well as fromother buyers and sellers. However, there may be embodiments of thepresent invention wherein a mule is configured to only carry datastructures of buyers or sellers.

Mules may be particularly effective in small communities of buyers andsellers and/or when in close proximity of buyers and sellers such as,for example, on subways, in airports, at events with lots of people(e.g., sporting events), etc. As another example, a mule may visit agrocery store and obtain data structures for items on sale at thegrocery store. When the mule returns to his/her neighborhood, the mulebroadcasts these data structures to neighbors and receives broadcasts ofneeds from the neighbors. For example, a grocery store may be having asale on bananas and the mule may learn that a neighbor has a need forbananas. As such, the mule conveys the information of the banana sale tothe neighbor such that he/she can visit the grocery store and purchasebananas.

According to embodiments of the present invention, mules 304 and 308 mayreceive commissions for participating in the relay of data structure 302from buyer #1 (300) to seller #1 (306). Mules, according to someembodiments of the present invention, may also accruecurrency/commissions over a period of time. For example, a mule may becarrying around multiple data structures of buyers and sellers and whena transaction between a buyer and a seller occurs, the mule earns acommission. This may occur without the mule ever knowing that he/she iscarrying the data structures and without ever knowing that a transactionbetween a buyer and a seller has occurred. Earned commissions may beallowed to accrue for a predetermined period of time prior to actuallypaying a mule.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, mules may bepaid in non-monetary ways. For example, a mule may receive discountsfrom certain sellers for facilitating transactions with buyers.Discounts may be available for predetermined periods of time. A mule mayreceive frequent flyer miles from an airline to be used within a periodtime, discounts from retailers to be used within a period of time, etc.A mule may receive discounts that are limited to a particulargeographical area, for example.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, mules may beconfigured to complete a transaction between buyers and sellers. Forexample, a mule may be carrying a data structure of a buyer thatindicates that the buyer wants to buy a pair of running shoes. If themule detects a seller selling the particular running shoes at conditionsthat satisfy the buyer, the mule may be configured to purchase therunning shoes and deliver them to the buyer. For example, in theembodiment of FIG. 4, mule 304 may be configured to purchase a toolboxfrom seller #1 (306) and deliver the toolbox to buyer #1 (300), who thenrepays the mule 304 and likely pays the mule 304 a commission forhis/her effort.

Referring now to FIG. 5, transparent commodity trading network accordingto some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. A brokerservice 400 is illustrated that, in addition to facilitatingtransactions between buyers and sellers as described above, implementsvarious additional features. In FIG. 5, buyer #2 (402) and seller #2(406) complete a transaction via a mule 404 and broker service 400(which serves the function of transaction service 14, as describedabove). The broker service 400 is also configured to accrue informationabout buyers and sellers. For example, the broker service maintains adatabase 408 of demographic and other types of data associated withbuyers and sellers. The broker service 400 may also perform variousanalytical analyses on collected data in the database 408. Analyticinformation as well as data can be provided to buyers, sellers, and/orother third parties for free or for a price. For example, third partiesmay subscribe to an information service that the broker service 400offers, etc.

In a residential real estate environment, broker service 400 may collectdemographic data associated with buyers and sellers of residential realestate. Exemplary information collected by the broker service 400 mayinclude information about what type of house people are looking for,what price range of house people are looking for, what size of housepeople are looking for, what type of neighborhood schools people arelooking for, etc. As such buyer demographic data can be accrued by thebroker service 400, which can be beneficial to real estate brokers,other service providers, etc.

Broker service 400 may also provide ratings of products/services boughtand sold via buyers and sellers. For example, broker service 400 may beconfigured to collect information from buyers as to quality and price ofproducts and services from various sellers and make this informationavailable to others (e.g., either free or for a price). Broker service400 may also be configured to monitor and maintain information about theaccuracy of information passed between buyers and sellers. Brokerservice, may thus serve the function of preventing or at least reducingfraud in transactions. Third parties may also subscribe to the brokerservice 400 to obtain ratings information regarding various sellersand/or buyers and the products/services of sellers. As such, brokerservice 400 can leverage information collected thereby, etc.

Broker service 400 may also facilitate the distribution of discounts andother types of benefits between sellers and buyers. (Broker service 400itself may receive incentives from third parties for facilitatingtransactions between buyers and sellers). For example, broker service400 may facilitate transactions between an airline and buyers of airlinetickets. Broker service 400 may facilitate distribution/allocation offrequent flyer miles to various buyers. As another example, brokerservice 400 may facilitate transactions between retailers and buyers.Broker service 400 may facilitate distribution/allocation of discountsto various buyers.

Broker service 400 may also facilitate the accrual and distribution ofpayments to mules who relay data structures between buyers and sellers,as described above. Broker service 400 may be configured to modify theaccrual of payments according to time. As described above, the value offacilitating a transaction between buyers and sellers may decay overtime. Broker service 400 may be configured to adjust payments to mulesbased on such time requirements.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operations ofsome embodiments of transparent commodity trading networks and methodsfor facilitating transactions among parties. In this regard, each blockrepresents a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one ormore executable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that in other implementations, thefunction(s) noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted inFIGS. 2-3. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the preferredembodiments without substantially departing from the principles of thepresent invention. All such variations and modifications are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present invention, as setforth in the following claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of buying and selling goods and servicesvia a transparent commodity trading network, comprising: broadcasting aneed of a first party to other mobile communication devices via a firstmobile communications device associated with the first party, comprisingbroadcasting the need to a third mobile communications device associatedwith a third party, wherein the third mobile communications device isconfigured to serve as a mule that carries and broadcasts the need ofthe first party to the other mobile communications devices; identifyingvia the first mobile device an offering of a second party that matchesthe broadcast need via a second device within a predetermined distanceof the first mobile device; and communicating, via the first mobilecommunications device, with the second mobile communications device inresponse to the first mobile communications device determining that thebroadcast need matches a corresponding offering of the second party. 22.The method of claim 21, further comprising paying the third party forfacilitating a transaction between the first party and second party. 23.The method of claim 21, further comprising accruing payments to thethird party for facilitating transactions between the first party andother parties.
 24. A transparent commodity trading network thatfacilitates transactions among parties, comprising: a transactionservice that is accessible by a plurality of mobile communicationsdevices, wherein the transaction service is configured to allow twoparties that have at least one matching broadcast need and offering toidentify and communicate with each other, wherein each of the mobilecommunications devices is configured to broadcast needs and offerings ofa party associated with the mobile communications device, to receiveneeds and offerings broadcast by other mobile communications deviceswhen within a predetermined distance thereof, to identify when at leastone need and offering broadcast by another mobile communications devicematches at least one need and offering broadcast by the respectivemobile communications device, wherein the transaction service isconfigured to collect and analyze information associated withtransactions between parties, and wherein the transaction service isconfigured to provide ratings of products and services associated withthe transactions between parties.
 25. The transparent commodity tradingnetwork of claim 24, wherein the transaction service comprises a brokerservice.
 26. The transparent commodity trading network of claim 24,wherein each mobile communications device is configured to serve as amule that carries at least one broadcasted need and offering of anotherparty associated with another mobile communications device.
 27. Thetransparent commodity trading network of claim 24, wherein a mule isconfigured to identify when at least one need and offering broadcast bya second mobile communications device matches at least one need andoffering broadcast by a third mobile communications device.
 28. Thetransparent commodity trading network of claim 24, wherein thetransaction service is configured to allocate a percentage of atransaction value to a party associated with a mobile communicationsdevice that serves as a mule that carries at least one broadcasted needand offering that results in a consummated transaction among otherparties.
 29. The transparent commodity trading network of claim 24,wherein the transaction service is configured to accrue currency for aparty associated with a mobile communications device that serves as amule that carries a broadcasted at least one need and offering thatresults in a consummated transaction among other parties.
 30. Thetransparent commodity trading network of claim 29, wherein currencyvalue decays over time.
 31. The transparent commodity trading network ofclaim 28, wherein the transaction service is configured to vary thepercentage of a transaction value over time.
 32. The transparentcommodity trading network of claim 24, wherein the mobile communicationsdevices are cell phones.
 33. The transparent commodity trading networkof claim 24, further comprising a stationary communications device thatis configured to broadcast a need of a party associated with thestationary communications device, and wherein a mobile communicationsdevice is configured to receive the need broadcasted by the stationarycommunications device and to identify when the broadcast need matches abroadcast offering of the party associated with the mobilecommunications device.
 34. The transparent commodity trading network ofclaim 24, further comprising a stationary communications device that isconfigured to broadcast a need of a party associated with the stationarycommunications device, and wherein a mobile communications device isconfigured to receive the need broadcasted by the stationarycommunications device and to identify when the broadcast need matches abroadcast offering of a party associated with another mobilecommunications device.
 35. The transparent commodity trading network ofclaim 24, further comprising a stationary communications device that isconfigured to broadcast an offering of a party associated with thestationary communications device, and wherein a mobile communicationsdevice is configured to receive the offering broadcasted by thestationary communications device and to identify when the broadcastoffering matches a broadcast need of the party associated with themobile communications device.
 36. The transparent commodity tradingnetwork of claim 24, further comprising a stationary communicationsdevice that is configured to broadcast an offering of a party associatedwith the stationary communications device, and wherein a mobilecommunications device is configured to receive the offering broadcastedby the stationary communications device and to identify when thebroadcast offering matches a broadcast need of a party associated withanother mobile communications device.